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Chicago Birthday Deals on a Budget

Posted on February 18, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Chicago staff

City Cast Chicago staff

A bucket of popcorn at AMC theaters.

Who doesn’t love a FREE, buttery bucket of popcorn?! (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

City Cast

How to Celebrate Your Birthday in Chicago

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It’s almost the end of Aquarius season and as an Aquarius myself (along with City Cast Chicago’s Executive Producer Simone Alicea), I’m ready to celebrate ♒ If you have a birthday soon, don’t miss out on some great freebies and deals around the city!

Best Activities for Kids: AMC Large Popcorn (All Locations)

Unfortunately, Aquarius season falls during the most frigid time of the year. But that means it’s a perfect time to catch a movie to celebrate and AMC offers a free, large birthday popcorn for you to snack on. You just have to join the AMC Stubs Insider program to reap this delicious benefit.

Want to enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue on your birthday? Bring your ID and dive into the Korean–Chinese cuisine. Add-ons and drinks not included.

Happy Lamb Hot Pot offers a free buffet on your birthday. This is only valid on your birthday, so make sure to plan ahead!

Best Free Fitness Class: Barry’s Bootcamp (All Locations)

If you are a member of Barry’s Bootcamp, you get a free class on your special day! What better way to kick off your birthday than with a workout?

City Cast

Realistic Chicago Winter Fitness Tips

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Sign-up for the restaurant chain’s birthday club for yourself and up to three kids, and get a slice of the chocolatey goodness every year.

Best Membership Club: Lettuce Entertain You

Whether you’re smashing barbecue at Bub City or slurping noodles at Ramen-san, join Lettuce Entertain You’s frequent diner club for up to $15-$20 off your celebratory meal.

Join the South Side shop’s loyalty program for a free scoop of homemade ice cream on your special day: Text “homemade” to 40829. Then, join the chain’s rewards program for another birthday treat.

A shopper at a Goodwill in Arlington Heights

A shopper at a Goodwill in Arlington Heights. (Antonio Perez / Tribune / Getty)

Save one day during your birth month as part of the thrift store chain’s rewards program.

Want your wheels to look good on your birthday, too? Download the Zips app for a complimentary wash on your special day.

🎂 Check out more birthday deals

This article was originally published in March 2024 by newsletter editor Sidney Madden. It has been edited and updated by newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski.

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